FAQ

1

Who needs orthodontics ?

Orthodontic treatment is needed when teeth and jaws are misaligned. Treatment is indicated for functional as well as aesthetic reasons. The correct intramaxillary position of the jaws and teeth are ideal for optimal function in chewing , swallowing, speaking, lip closure and breathing. Nice teeth and good dental health leads to a carefree smile and increases self -esteem.

2

How long will orthodontic treatment take?

The duration varies for each individual. Depending on the severity of the malocclusion and age at start of treatment the duration will be between 6 months and 3 years . In some cases treatment must be monitored from early on, until the completion of growth at the age of about 18 years.

3

When should my child see the orthodontist for the first time ?

It is best to schedule an initial orthodontic appointment for children aged 7-8 years. It can often be simpler and easier to correct teeth and jaw malocclusions in young children.

An early start of treatment may also mean that more complex measures can be avoided. Some treatments require a lot of time and especially enough growth of the jaws. With late initiation of treatment the problems can sometimes not be solved optimally or only in combination with surgical measures.

4

Are there orthodontics for adults ?

Tooth movements are possible at any age. In adults, there are complicating factors, such as lack of growth, gum disease and bone loss around the teeth or existing crowns and bridges as well as missing and damaged teeth . In such cases, treatment can be indicated, but with adaptations of the type of treatment and its result.

5

Are there alternatives to " train tracks " ?

There are various ways of invisible or barely visible treatment. These include ceramic or plastic tooth-colored brackets, lingual orthodontics, where brackets are attached to the inside of the teeth, or removable clear aligners that are worn over the teeth.

6

Is orthodontic treatment painful ?

Orthodontic treatment is minimally invasive. Normally, the forces generated by orthodontic appliances are perceived as unpleasant at the start of treatment and every time activation of the appliance occurs. Most patients get very used to their braces and do not report any pain at all.

7

Must I pay privately for orthodontic treatment?

The cost issue must be clarified separately for each individual case before the start of treatment. General information can not be given. Usually, the treatment will be billed to you as a patient or parent.

Some or a part of orthodontic treatment may be covered by your compulsory health insurance (KVG) or in the case of a dental trauma, by your Unfallversicherung (UVG). Private insurances may have some coverage, especially if no pre-existing condition is present and children were insured up to a certain age. Serious cases are covered by the Invaliden Versicherung (IV), but only until age 20 and a separate case investigation will need to be carried out.

8

What happens at the end of orthodontic treatment ?

At the end of orthodontic treatment retention will be needed. Retention is a stabilization, during which the teeth are held in their new position. This is usually done with an orthodontic retainer wire placed on the inside of the upper and lower anterior teeth. Based on long-term scientific reasearch, retention should be life-long, since it has been shown that teeth will move at any age. There are removable alternatives to the fixed lingual retainer wire, but these would be considered on an individual basis.